Umm, still sock knitting here, and a little obsessively truth be told. I'm not quite sure why, but it might be because the weather here has felt distinctly autumnal lately. Or maybe it's to do with the undemanding rhythm of knitting socks – just going round and round knitting two, purling two is rather relaxing and a nice break from the rigours of writing patterns which quite frankly is taxing on the brain. In either case, I do so love knitting and just sitting here doing it rather than working to the broken rhythm of noting down every stitch and fussing over wording descriptions so that others can follow instructions feels good, so I'm allowing myself a little holiday from pattern writing over the school summer break. It may well be that I have a shed load of socks at the end of these 6 weeks and whether I'll need a knitting intervention remains to be seen!
The pair I've just started (above) are from a really pretty pattern by Olivia Villarreal – Wild flowers and honeycomb socks which I'm knitting in beautiful The Uncommon Thread Tough Sock yarn in shades 'tea smoked' and 'toast' – perfect for a spot of Sunday morning knitting with a nice cup of tea. I've also almost finished the 2 pairs that I mentioned in the previous post (below) so am definitely making up for years of never knitting socks!
If you are waiting for my next animal pattern please forgive me for asking you to wait even longer and thanks for your patience and understanding while I take a little breather and indulge my newly found joy in sock knitting. Rest assured that there will be a new animal pattern coming up after the summer and I'm also working on extra ideas for clothing too, more news will follow. 'Til next time, wishing you peaceful days, restful nights and a little of what makes you happy xxx
little cotton rabbits 
Oh lovely socks, very nicely done. I do wish I could knit socks but all those pointy needles strike a dread fear into me. Although I think it might be easier with circular needles. They do look so good though, I’m rather tempted. I hope you have a good summer break and that you enjoy your light relief sock knitting. Take care, CJ xx
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Julie, maybe it’s something in the air but I’ve been buying a lot of sock wool lately with the intentions of starting some socks. Maybe it is the hint of autumn in the air. Your socks look amazing, mine will be strictly plain self striping socks! Although I am looking forward to your next set of animals I say you deserve your sock break, it must be exhausting making a pattern. Happy socking.
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Wishing you a peaceful restful summer Julie with lots more gorgeous socks!
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Love those socks!!! xxxx
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Oh your socks are beautiful Julie and aren’t the colour names of the yarn just wonderful!! I really need to start knitting some socks as I seem to have accumulated a basket of gorgeous sock yarn!!!
Enjoy your sock making and your summer!
V x
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Thanks so much CJ. I don’t like knitting with lots of pointy needles but magic looping on a long circular needle has converted me to sock knitting! I definitely recommend giving it a go and now understand why there are so many sock knitters out there 🙂
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Happy socking to you too Hazeyj, I think you’re right about the cooler breezier days making us want to make socks – a bit like lining your nest in time for winter!
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Thanks so much Gina, hoping the same for you xxx
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Thanks Mum, will bring them with me when we come to visit xxx
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There are some wonderful sock yarns out there aren’t there Vivienne? There’s probably more choice in sock yarn than any other kind. One of the nice things which is handy for us bunny makers is that when you’ve knitted a pair of socks there always seems to be a little bit left over that’s just enough for a bunny cardi 🙂
Hope you’re having a lovely summer, I hope to pop by and visit your blog soon and catch up properly, xxx
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This made me smile – I am literally knitting a dress for a LCR at the moment for almost the same reasons. Sometimes you just need to knit something nice from a well written pattern. It’s relaxing and satisfying in all the right ways. (I posted a pic on Instagram earlier this week saying almost exactly that)
While you are relaxing with other people’s patterns, I am relaxing with yours 🙂
(And I am a bit worried that I’m not really able to knit anything but your patterns now.)
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Beautiful combo of sock pattern and yarn! I My new obsession this year is to use 9″ circular needles for knitting some of my socks: I fly!
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You are such a beautiful knitter. Your work is so detailed and lovely. Your patterns and colors are always perfection, a delight to the eyes.
Jan
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Didn’t the Two E’s tell you sock knitting was addictive? Your choice of colours is inspiring and some neutral sock yarn may have been purchased yesterday at Fibre East by persons unknown to me.
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Love the socks, especially the ones with the flower pattern.
Regards, Erika
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These are all so beautiful! If I could only get ONE sock to turn out right, I’d be happy lol. They’re always a bit wonky for me.
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These are wonderful, Julie. I’ve popped over to Ravelry to check the sock patterns. Now if only I could learn the magic loop method. I am terrible with the four pointy needles! I feel that I should be an octopus!
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Mollie, have you heard of knitfreedom.com? She has amazing video tutorials. PS I’m in no way affiliated with the website I just came across it when I wanted to learn to make socks and came away knowing the magic loop two socks at a time method! Good luck
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Aren’t Olivia’s patterns wonderful! I’ve been winding plenty sock yarn for an upcoming trip to Edinburgh. Socks are perfect train knitting 🙂
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Sock knitting is always good for the soul – I think it is something to do with the round-and-round method of creating them which occupies your hands but frees your mind. Plus, you have something toasty to wear on your feet at the end of it. No intervention will be required – you’ll know when you’re ready to go back to other knitting 🙂 xx
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Like Rachel, I really recommend trying the 9″ needles. I now have them in about 8 sizes and love them both for socks and mittens. My socks grow so quickly,no worrying about magic lop and so neat and small they are handy for travelling. But I find I still need a longer cable foe cast on, heels and rib band(mainly cause they are easier to use with continental but my continental purl is a bit suss.)
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Hi Julie, I have never knitted socks (except your Christmas stocking pattern!) You have certainly got me interested. I always love reading which patterns and yarns you use, your colour choices are beautiful. Enjoy your relaxing summer knitting and I look forward to your new patterns.
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Lovely socks Julie! I have always been leary of socks but maybe the magic loop might be the answer. I have been making cabled baby cardigans with matching cabled pram blankets…to the point of obsession…as I am anticipating a fleury of babies in the family. Might have to add a LCR animal dressed to match. Too many much cuteness for babies yet to be born…but I’m ready lol 😂 Enjoy feeding your obsession! That’s what life’s about…it fuels us.
As always, Lori from Port Perry
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Your workmanship is impeccable. What a joy to read your posts. I always think of it as chatting with you in person. Enjoy the rest of your sock knitting time. I’m currently knitting a shawl while my sock needles have a much deserved rest. Look forward to your next animal pattern release.
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We always break for sock knitting here LOL, so no need to apologize for taking the break. So far, I’m just collecting your patterns anyway — waiting for my little granddaughter to get older so I can make her a collection haha. Maybe I should get started now though — I’m always late with my plans. Oh — your socks are all so gorgeous. Happy August Julie!
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I love your socks knitted in those beautiful yarns, they have tempted me to have a go. Could you please tell me Julie what length circular needles you use, they look quite long? Thank you so much, I so enjoy reading your posts.
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Thanks so much D, a bit of relaxing knitting goes a long way doesn’t it. It’s so nice to know that you’re enjoying the patterns, that makes me very happy xxx
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I shall have to give that a go Raquel, thanks so much x
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You’re very kind Jan, thanks so much x
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The two E’s are certainly wise in the ways of knit.
I’m coming to see what naughty purchases that unknown to you person has made, better keep an eye on them as I might get sticky fingers 🙂
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It’s a really pretty pattern Erika, I definitely recommend it, J x
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I’m still not entirely happy with my sock knitting technique either Shehla but I’m working to the idea that practice helps make perfect. I hope you find your way to happy sock knitting 🙂
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Thanks so much Mollie, I’ve never liked knitting on 4 double pointed needles and always got ladders so I’m so pleased that magic loop seems to work for me – I hope you find it works for you too, Caroline’s link looks like a good one.
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They are indeed Caroline, I’ve got another couple of her patterns queued too. Happy travels and sock knitting too x
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Thanks so much Christine. I’m very happy to have at last come around to the joys of sock knitting, you’re definitely right about it’s pleasures and benefits x
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Thanks so much for the tip Cathy, I’ll be giving the 9″ needles a go on the next pair
J x
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Socks are definitely worth a go Sue, I’m so enjoying knitting them. Thanks so much for your very kind words, J x
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I was leary of them too Lori but magic loop has definitely been the game changer for me. Here’s to obsessive knitting putting plenty of fuel in the tank. Thanks so much for stopping by to visit and for your lovely words xxx
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You are very kind Linda, thanks so much for the lovely compliment and for coming by to visit with me 🙂
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Happy august to you too Anna, I hope you’re having a good one. I think plans are all fine and large but usually life gets in the way somehow!
J x
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Thanks so much Marilyn. I’ve found that I’m happiest with 60cm lengths for magic looping socks – I tried 80cms but found them a bit long. A couple of people have recommended 9″ circulars as perfect for socks but I’ve not tried those yet, I’m still finding my feet with sock knitting 🙂
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Every once in a while every knitter needs some mindless sock knitting.
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